food / drink pic : SHREVEPORT BOSSIER
FINGER LICKING GOOD
CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL
Carys Thomas builds up an appetite for this year ’ s anticipated International Food And Drink Festival .
Over 50,000 food fans will come together this July to celebrate South Wales ’ thriving food and drink scene . The Cardiff International Food And Drink Festival has been a great annual calendar success for Cardiff Council and it returns this year against the tranquil backdrop of the Cardiff Bay waterfront . This three-day event gives everyone the opportunity to sample an assortment of the finest locally and internationally sourced produce in a relaxed and sociable open-air environment . The festival includes a producers ’ fayre full of enticing exhibits and much-loved delicacies in the tented village at the Roald Dahl Plass . You ’ ll also be able to taste beautiful handmade treats and organic produce with plentiful cheese , wine and tempting chocolate delights . Get involved with the food preparation with hands-on demonstrations and master classes in the Celtic Manor Food Theatre . The farmer ’ s market will open its doors from 12-7pm each day at Harbour Drive , selling a wide variety of fresh and appetising home-grown produce , and the day ’ s festivities don ’ t stop there . Outside the Wales Millennium Centre you ’ ll discover a unique craft fair in which many bespoke craft companies will display a spread of delightful locally made gifts and homeware . And as refreshments go , you ’ ll have plenty of choice while strolling around the venue . The Food Piazza will be onsite alongside three exclusive bars where you ’ ll be able to enjoy a glass or two of champagne as you take in the live music and soak up the atmosphere .
Cardiff International Food And Drink Festival , Fri 12-Sun 14 July , Cardiff Bay . Admission : free . Info : 029 2087 3914 / www . cardiff-festival . com
American-style dining arrives in Pontcanna in the form of Urban Diner on Kings Road , Pontcanna . The upmarket diner offers a tantalising selection of all-time American favourites , boasting an impressive menu brimming with homemade classics . The dishes include Louisiana chicken , Texas smoked pork ribs and an appetising choice of Southern fried chicken . The restaurant also includes a cutting-edge cocktail lounge serving up a number of tempting refreshments for its customers . The prices are reasonable and options are available for vegetarians whilst the laidback atmosphere and contemporary design helps to create the perfect American diner experience .
Urban Diner , 175 Kings Road , Pontcanna , Cardiff . Info : 029 2034 1013 / www . urbandinercardiff . com
DINING BY THE SEA
A 19th century coalhouse building in the beautiful surroundings of Oxwich Bay has been given a new lease of life as a chic restaurant . The Coalhouse boasts panoramic views of Oxwich and Three Cliffs Bay , recently voted as one of the best beaches in Britain by Travel magazine . Having once been used as a gold store , the attractive building has significant historical value , and now , after a sympathetic renovation process , the traditional features of the building have been retained and preserved at the hands of experienced designers . Guests can now enjoy a selection of tantalising local produce including fresh fish such as lobsters and sea bass , luscious meat from the nearby Penrice Castle ’ s home farm , and vegetables from the estate ’ s kitchen garden . The combination of seasonal specialities and imaginative dishes makes the Coalhouse an exciting new gastronomic venture well worth travelling for .
HANG FIRE SMOKEHOUSE OPENS AT PORTER ’ S
From the end of July , Hang Fire Smokehouse and Porter ’ s are about to make Sundays very hot and smoky indeed . After travelling through America to discover the secrets behind its famed southern-styled BBQ cuisine , Hang Fire set up camp at The Canadian pub , Splott , in Feb , and since then they ’ ve been using their own smoker to cook up all manner of meltin-the mouth chicken , ribs , pulled pork , lamb , ham brisket and more every Friday and Saturday . Their forthcoming opening at Porters is a simple reflection of their already rapidly growing popularity and we ’ re already licking out lips in anticipation . For breaking news on the launch date , keep and eye on Hang Fire ’ s Facebook and Twitter feeds .
Info : 01792 390965 / www . thecoalhouserestaurant . co . uk Info : www . hangfiresmokehouse . com
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